The World Series is (will probably be over) this week, which sucks , because I am a good old’ fashion Red Sox fan. Born and raised. Unfortunately for me I am forced to watch the Yankees play. It’s kind of like if you’re Superman and you have to watch Lois Lane go out on a date with Lex Luthor. But as much as I dislike the Yankees, I have to give it to them. 40 World Series. Think about that, 40 World Series. That’s absolutely astounding. I got to thinking about a movie I saw a few years back. Stephen Speilberg’s “Catch Me if You Can.” There’s a line that Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) picks up from his father (Christopher Walken). “You know why the Yankee’s always win Frank?” He asks his son, to which he replies “‘Cause they have Mickey Mantle?” And Dad, in his infinite wisdom says “No, it’s cause the other teams can’t stop staring at those damn pinstripes.”
Truth be told, the Yankee’s have always won because they have always had either Ruth, Gherig, DiMagio, Mantle, Jeter… the list goes on and on. But you have to admit, in your heart of hearts that even if you hate them, there is something about the Yankees and those damn pinstripes. There are 30 active teams in MLB’s current iteration and exactly zero that bring the same cache’ or panache that the Yankees do every time they take the field.
I’m sure that from a pragmatist’s point of view it boils down to player salaries and talent level. But from Frank Abagnale’s perspective it has to do with more than that. And I think that I’m somewhat in line with Frank on this.
There is something about the Yankees that makes you stand up and take notice. When they take the field you are paying attention. Whether it be to root with fervor or scream vitriolic hatred until your lungs bleed, you are definitely in the moment. The Yankee’s are singularly responsible for more road game sell outs than any team in the history of professional sports. Even when they’re coming to kick your hometown team’s ass, you want to be there.
And I can’t help but believe that some of it has to do with the Pinstripes and the intertwined N and Y making up their logo. You can help but stand up and take notice. Just like when you’re driving down the street and you catch another driver with a Yankee’s hat on. The image is indelible. When you see it you have an instant image of greatness. You can look at it and feel 26 World Championships. You recall the greatness of far too many players and moments to properly list here. As much as it pains me to say this, the Yankees Logo is the most profound and awe inspiring in sports.
